Sunset Manta Snorkel and Scuba Diving Trip
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Who this tour fits
- Swimming ability
- confident
- Group type
- Yes
- Duration
- 150 minutes
- What's included
- Guide, Marine Life Spotting, Safety Briefing
Reported, not yet verified. Confirm with the operator when booking.
About this tour
Snorkel or scuba dive with Kona's manta rays on Torpedo Tours' 2.5-hour sunset and night trip, consistently ranked among the top ten dives in the world. Cruise the coastline to Garden Eel Cove, watch the sunset, then slip into the water as bright lights attract plankton - and the manta rays that come to feed on it.
Manta rays with wingspans up to 15 feet glide just inches from divers and snorkelers, performing continuous flips as they scoop up plankton. Divers settle on the sandy bottom at about 30 feet while snorkelers float above with illuminated light boards. The sheltered bay has calm waters, making it accessible even for less experienced swimmers.
The owner-operated crew has over 30 years of experience and holds American Lifeguard Association and Red Cross certifications. The 38-foot USCG-certified vessel includes a hot freshwater shower, restroom, and large swim step. Snorkel equipment, wetsuits, scuba gear rental, snacks, and beverages are all included.
Check-in at 4:30 PM at Honokohau Harbor (74-381 Kealakehe Parkway). Ages 3-90. Up to 18 guests per trip. Private charters available.
Why book this operator
- Local operator in Kailua-Kona
- 4.8 out of 5 (288 Google reviews)
What's included
Included
- Guide
- Marine Life Spotting
- Safety Briefing
Not included
- Gratuity
Tour details
- Certification Required
- Open Water
- Departure Time
- 5:30pm (Check-in at 5:00pm, arrive by 4:45pm)
- Departure Times
- sunset
- Duration
- 2 hours in water, 2.5 hours total including check-in
- Food & Drinks
- none
- Free Cancellation Window
- 48 hours
- Guided
- Yes
- Hotel Pickup
- No
- Includes
- Guide, Marine Life Spotting, Safety Briefing
- Manta Site
- Garden Eel Cove
- Meeting Location
- Honokohau Marina, 74-381 Kealakehe Parkway, picnic tables under the pavilions next to Tiger Shark Deli
- Night Tour
- Yes
- Private Option
- Yes
- Private Option Available
- Yes
- Swimming Ability Required
- confident
- Swimming Required
- Yes
- Time in the Water
- 120 minutes
- Total Duration
- 150 minutes
- Transport Included
- meeting_point_only
- Weather Dependent
- Yes
- What to Bring
- Swimwear, Towel, Camera
- Wildlife Likely
- manta_ray
- Wildlife You May See
- manta rays
Frequently asked questions
How long is Sunset Manta Snorkel and Scuba Diving Trip?
Sunset Manta Snorkel and Scuba Diving Trip lasts about 150.
How much does Sunset Manta Snorkel and Scuba Diving Trip cost?
Sunset Manta Snorkel and Scuba Diving Trip ranges from $129 to $159 per person, depending on the option you choose.
Where does Sunset Manta Snorkel and Scuba Diving Trip meet?
Sunset Manta Snorkel and Scuba Diving Trip meets at Honokohau Marina, 74-381 Kealakehe Parkway, picnic tables under the pavilions next to Tiger Shark Deli.
What is included with Sunset Manta Snorkel and Scuba Diving Trip?
Sunset Manta Snorkel and Scuba Diving Trip includes Guide, Marine Life Spotting, and Safety Briefing.
What is the cancellation policy for Sunset Manta Snorkel and Scuba Diving Trip?
Full refund if cancelled 48 hours before trip. Cancelling within 48 hours results in full charge. Private trip cancellation policy is 7 days.
Do I need snorkeling or scuba experience to join the manta ray trip?
No prior experience is required to join this manta ray snorkel and scuba diving trip. The in-water guides provide a full snorkeling briefing before you enter the water, and novice snorkelers receive hands-on instruction on how to properly use a mask and snorkel during the pre-dive briefing at the manta site. The dive and snorkel site is in a calm, sheltered bay with gentle conditions, making it accessible for beginners. Snorkelers float on the surface using lightboards, while scuba divers settle on the sandy bottom at roughly thirty feet. All snorkel and scuba equipment, along with wetsuits, are included in the trip so you do not need to bring your own gear.
What is the age range for this manta ray snorkel and scuba trip?
This trip is open to guests between the ages of 3 and 90, making it suitable for a wide range of participants. However, anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times while on board and in the water. Guests who are more than five months pregnant are required to consult a doctor and provide a signed doctor's note confirming they are cleared for a boat trip before joining. The boat is not wheelchair accessible, and all guests must be able to take a large step onto the boat from the dock and climb a short ladder unassisted to board from the water.
What should I wear and bring for the sunset manta ray snorkel trip?
You should arrive at the dock already wearing your swimwear, ready to get in the water. The tour operators strongly recommend a rash guard and leggings with built-in sun protection rather than sunscreen, both for daytime sun coverage and to add a little warmth during the evening portion of the trip. If you do bring sunscreen, make sure it is reef safe. Towels are not included in the trip, so you should bring your own. The boat is equipped with a hot freshwater shower for rinsing off after your time in the water, so you will have a way to clean up before the ride back to the harbor.
How does the timing work on the sunset manta ray snorkel and scuba trip?
Check-in begins at 5:30 pm, with departure from the dock at 6:00 pm for a leisurely cruise to the manta site. The boat arrives at Garden Eel Cove around 6:25 pm, where guests enjoy snacks, drinks, and an educational briefing from Captain Michael about manta rays before entering the water at 7:00 pm. The actual time in the water with the mantas runs from roughly 7:00 pm to 7:45 pm, allowing guests to watch the sunset during the pre-water briefing. After rinsing off and grabbing a snack, the boat returns to the harbor, arriving back at approximately 8:05 pm. The total trip duration is 2.5 hours.
Where does the manta ray snorkel trip depart from, and is parking available?
The trip departs from Honokohau Marina, located at 74-381 Kealakehe Parkway in Kailua-Kona, roughly four miles south of the Kona airport. The marina entrance is marked by a large sign featuring a marlin and has a stoplight at the intersection of the highway and Kealakehe Parkway. Once you enter the marina, stay left to reach the south side. Look for the F Dock Deli and Fuel station, then turn right into the parking area and park near the fuel pumps. Parking is free of charge. From there, walk upstairs above the Deli and down the hall to find the boat. The tour recommends calling ahead if you have trouble locating the vessel.
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